President William Ruto has found himself at the center of a public uproar following his recent comments on the indiscipline and moral decay among Kenya’s youth. While addressing the commissioning of the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Kerio Valley campus on Thursday, Ruto called for a collective approach from society to instill good values in young people. He emphasized the role of parents in shaping their children’s character, urging them to mentor their children to ensure they become responsible citizens.
Ruto’s statement, which placed a significant portion of the blame for the rising indiscipline on parents, suggested that fostering good character should be a priority. “Parents must be at the center, making sure that not only are our children in class but also mentoring them so that we can build good character,” the president remarked. These comments were made against the backdrop of growing online activism in Kenya, with many citizens calling for greater accountability from the state regarding the disturbing rise in abductions.
Ruto’s position was further supported by other political figures, such as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho, who also pointed to the lack of proper mentorship among the youth. They highlighted the role of both parents and leaders in preventing the moral decline that many believe is gripping the younger generation.
However, the president’s remarks did not go unchallenged. Law student Mohammed Abdulah, speaking on Daybreak on Friday, suggested that the political class should first examine their own actions before criticizing others. Abdulah pointed out that the leaders, many of whom have been in power for years, are not exempt from scrutiny for their role in shaping the country’s political and social landscape.
Kenyans, especially on social media, have expressed dissatisfaction with the blame being placed solely on parents, pointing out the complexities of societal issues such as rising abductions, unemployment, and political instability. Critics argue that the government’s lack of action in addressing these root causes needs more focus before shifting the blame to families.
As the debate rages on, it remains clear that both the youth and the political leadership must work collaboratively to address the challenges facing the nation.
